Australians spend less, more often in online shop surge

21 March

Baby boomers have taken to online shopping in droves while younger shoppers are cutting back amid cost-of-living pressures. An increasing number of parcels are also heading to regional and rural areas, fuelled by population growth since the COVID-19...[Read More]

Voters open-minded on investor tax break reform

20 March

Three in five Australian voters favour scaling back negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, new polling suggests. One in five want investment property tax breaks to stay the same, according to the polling by independent consultancy...[Read More]

Calls for four-year forecast in GST carve-up

20 March

Four-year forecasts for state and territory shares of GST are being sought as the pushback against the annual carve-up of the tax continues. A longer forecast window from the Commonwealth Grants Commission would help secure budget bottom lines and...[Read More]

Rates on hold but RBA ‘not ruling anything in or out’

20 March

The Reserve Bank has left interest rates at 4.35 per cent for the third meeting in a row in an almost universally expected move reflecting inflation that is cooling but still too high. The board came to its decision on Tuesday after two days of...[Read More]

Rate peak to buoy confidence and possibly home prices

20 March

Another month on hold and growing expectations the next interest rate move will be down could add to already robust housing demand and keep pressure on home prices. Following the Reserve Bank’s widely expected decision to leave interest rates...[Read More]

Online shopping is forcing down prices by $1100 a year

20 March

People are saving more than $1100 a year due to the increasing popularity of online shopping, with the biggest savings coming from growing competition in the market, a study has found. But research from consulting firm the Mandala Partners also...[Read More]

Marvels of mastery: Exploring the Eight Wonders of the Ancient and Modern World

14 March

The concept of the “Wonders of the World” has evolved over time, with various lists compiled to encompass the world’s most spectacular natural sights and human-built structures.    The traditional list of the Ancient Wonders of the World...[Read More]

What does ethical investing mean? How does it relate to ESG investing?

14 March

Investing is typically perceived as a wealthy-only pastime with no regard for the environment or social issues. However, that is not always the case, and the old mindset of making money for its own sake doesn’t need to stay.   People have become...[Read More]

Are the Lipstick and Beer Indexes Reliable Measures of Consumer Behaviour?

14 March

Traditional indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and inflation indicators are used to measure the health and performance of an economy. These are commonly used by economists and policymakers in gauging a country’s economic growth and...[Read More]

How to ask your boss to work remotely

14 March

The remote work trend has gained significant momentum in recent years, offering employees the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance.   If you’re planning to join the ranks of remote workers, convincing your employer to grant you...[Read More]

Swifties boost spending

14 March

The Australian economy got a leg up from Taylor Swift concerts but the much-anticipated visit was not enough to counter penny pinching elsewhere. Spending as tracked by Commonwealth Bank has been generally subdued and fell 0.3 per cent over the...[Read More]

Businesses to save as government scraps tariffs

14 March

Toothbrushes, sanitary products, washing machines and freezers may become cheaper in a move retailers say will reduce the costs of doing business. Almost 500 nuisance tariffs will be scrapped in the new financial year, saving companies more than $30...[Read More]

Wealthy Australians called on to pay more for aged care

13 March

Wealthier Australians are being urged to pay more for aged care so the government can help older people with lesser means access residential and in-home services. The overall wealth of older Australians is expected to increase, with the proportion...[Read More]

Consumers paying the price for ‘slow’ data right scheme

13 March

Giving people more control over their data footprint could significantly expand the economy and save consumers time and money, research shows. The so-called Consumer Data Right (CDR) gives Australians some control over their personal data but should...[Read More]

The feeling of looking back at an old photo and acknowledging you did OK

7 March

In the maddening rush of life, you may find yourself looking for ways to improve your mood, alleviate stress, and enhance your sense of satisfaction.   One surprising yet effective strategy is immersing yourself in the nostalgic embrace of old...[Read More]